Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 72
EDUCATIONAL FILM PROJECT FUNDRAISER
The Mount Washington
Avalanche Center Foundation is raising money
to create a film to raise
awareness about the dangers of backcountry skiing on Mount
Washington. By highlighting the real risks and emphasizing the
importance of preparation and respect for the mountains, MWACF
aims to equip skiers with the knowledge to make safer decisions in
the backcountry.
By supporting this project, contributors are not just helping to
make this film a reality—they’re taking a stand for the safety and
education of every skier who ventures into the backcountry. Let’s
honor the lives affected by these tragedies by empowering others
with the knowledge to avoid them.
The MWACF’s goal is to raise $50,000.
Donate to the project by scanning, or visit
www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org/
stop-the-slide-project.
Mount Washington Valley Ski Patrol photo
ABOVE: THE MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY SKI PATROL (MWVSP)
assists the USFS and MWAC during March to May weekends with
education, first aid, and search and rescue for skiers and hikers in
and around the ravine. They are a small group of volunteers who
operate in northern New England avalanche areas. Learn more
about them at www.tuckerman.org.
Fongemie says that when it comes to the causes of fatalities in the ravine, 20 percent are
from avalanches, 20 percent are from hypothermia or exposure, and 40 percent are from
long-sliding falls. These falls are common in spring due to the amount of ice on the ground,
especially on the steep terrain in the ravine.
tions,” he adds.
Skiers and hikers should access as
much information from the MWAC
reports before heading out, and ensure
the plan aligns with the experience level
of the group. Always have the avalanche
essentials with you (a beacon, shovel, and
probe), as well as mountaineering gear
(an ice axe, crampons, and helmet), and
the 10 essentials. It’s important to know
how to use all of these items.
COMMUNITY REACH & IMPACT
“We want to effectively reach the spring
user group—that is one of our biggest
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goals in the center—along with flattening
the curve of accidents that are happening
in the springtime,” says Scanlan.
On a sunny day in Tuckerman Ravine,
you’ll see people hiking up in shorts before gearing up for the headwall, groups
of friends laughing, and dads making
their way up the trail with the weight of
their son’s or daughter’s skis weighing
on their pack. Sometimes, there are days
when the snow is soft and forgiving, and
few hazards are present, but those days
are rare.
“People just want to go out and have
fun, and have a great day, and sometimes
they don’t come home,” says Scanlan.
“That’s heartbreaking.”
Mount Washington Avalanche Center:
www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org
AMC Visitor Information Center:
(603) 466-2721
Androscoggin Ranger Station:
(603) 466-2713
Email a snow ranger:
snow@mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org
(Emails may take time to respond to,
so call the Ranger Station noted
above for immediate needs.)
MWVvibe.com / @mwvvibe
